USS Slater Overnight
Overnight historical education experience aboard the USS SLATER, a World War II Destroyer Escort museum ship docked in Albany. Scouts and families sleep aboard the ship, tour the vessel, participate in educational activities, and learn naval history.
Overview
The USS Slater overnight is a unique experience where Scouts sleep in the ship’s bunks, eat in the mess deck, and participate in naval history education activities. Due to the cost ($50 per person), the pack schedules this event biennially. Capacity is 20—50 people per group, making it well-suited for pack-level attendance.
Timeline / Checklist
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 6+ months before | Program Chair contacts USS Slater to book date; pays $100 non-refundable deposit |
| 3 weeks before | Submit proof of insurance (list USS SLATER / DEHM as certificate holder) |
| 3 weeks before | Submit final payment ($50/person) and roster |
| 1 week before | Pre-order optional dog tags ($5) and patches ($3) |
| Day of event | Arrive at 5:00pm; depart by 9:00am next day |
Event Details
Cost
$50 per person (pack does this biennially due to cost).
Capacity
20 minimum, 50 maximum per group.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00pm | Arrival, gear stowing, fire drill |
| 5:30pm | Ship tour |
| 6:15pm | Dinner (mess deck) |
| 7:00pm | Educational activity |
| 7:45pm | Retire colors (flag folding) |
| 8:00pm | Snack time |
| 8:10pm | Free time (explore ship, train guns, turn helm) |
| 9:50pm | Tattoo (get ready for bed) |
| 10:00pm | Lights out |
| 7:00am | Reveille |
| 7:15am | Breakfast (mess deck) |
| 8:00am | Bunk inspection / pack belongings |
| 8:15am | Hoist colors, ribbons/crew cards presented |
| 8:30am | Ship’s store open |
| 9:00am | Vacate ship |
What to Bring
- Sleeping bag, pillow, weather-appropriate clothes
- Flat rubber-soled shoes (sneakers — no hard soles)
- Spending money for ship’s store
- Rain gear (no umbrellas)
- Toiletries, flashlight
- Prepackaged snacks, card/board games
- Class A uniforms
- BSA medical forms
- First aid kit (group must provide own)
What NOT to Bring
Alcohol, narcotics, chewing gum, appliances, knives/tools.
Optional Extras
- Dog tags ($5, made on vintage machine) — pre-order 1 week prior
- Patches ($3) — pre-order 1 week prior
Rules
- No running/horseplay; buddy system for kids; adults with group at all times
- Designated bathrooms only; no restricted areas; no climbing vertical ladders
- Keep gangways clear; no shoes in bunks; group cleans occupied areas
Contact
Coordination
- The Program Chair coordinates booking, deposit, insurance, and logistics
- The Secretary manages the roster of participants and medical forms
- The Cubmaster supports the program and attends the event
- Organizer must provide proof of insurance listing USS SLATER / DEHM as certificate holder
Tips
- Consider dinner before the tour (kids get hungry)
- Dinner portions can be small — families may want to eat beforehand
- Record attendance carefully
- High cost warrants biennial scheduling
Roles Involved
- Program Chair — coordinates booking, deposit, insurance, and logistics
- Cubmaster — supports program and attends the event
- Secretary — manages roster and medical forms